[alanctgardner2]

Just to clarify, there's a difference between a Special Administrative Region like Hong Kong or Macau, and Taiwan. While Hong Kong is largely self-governing internally, it's still part of the PRC. Meanwhile, Taiwan (the ROC) was founded by people ousted during the revolution. It's like saying North and South Korea are 'basically' their own countries. Politically they aren't even friendly.

[ersii]

Indeed, I guess I was a little too fuzzy in how I phrased myself in hind sight. Thanks - a good addition in itself.

I guess the only really suitable way of explaining the situation is "It's complicated.". It's a colourful situation and in no way is it neither black nor white.